Franz Kafka
Life & Work Timeline
Follow the journey of Franz Kafka through time, including major life events and published works.
Franz Kafka was born near the Old Town Square in Prague, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His parents were German-speaking middle-class Ashkenazi Jews, and his family was of Czech origin in Prague. Hermann Kafka brought the family to Prague.
Karl Hermann married Elli in 1883, but the date is actually 1910 according to the provided text. The correct event should be: Karl Hermann married Elli in 1910.
Franz Kafka attended German boys' elementary school at Masný trh/Fleischmarkt (now known as Masná Street). He was one of the youngest students in his class, and his family's financial situation made it difficult for them to afford the school fees.
Franz Kafka was born as Elli on July 3rd to Jewish parents Hermann and Julie Löwy in Prague, Czech Republic.
Valerie Kafka, one of Franz's three sisters, was born to Hermann and Julie Löwy in Prague, Czech Republic.
Ottilie 'Ottla' Kafka, Franz's favourite sister, was born to Hermann and Julie Löwy in Prague, Czech Republic.
Franz Kafka left elementary school after completing his Matura exams. This marked a significant turning point in his education, as he would have to rely on his own efforts and resources to pursue higher learning.
Franz Kafka attended a German girls' school in Prague's Řeznická Street before later attending a private girls' secondary school.
Bergmann claims he became a Zionist in 1898, marking an early expression of his nationalist and ideological leanings.
Kafka's last academic year at elementary school took place from 1900 to 1901, a period marked by tension with fellow student Hugo Bergmann.
Evidence presented by Doctor Manfred M. Fichter suggests that Kafka suffered from an atypical anorexia nervosa and occasionally experienced suicidal thoughts.
Admitted to Deutsche Karl-Ferdinands-Universität of Prague in order to pursue higher education and switch majors from philosophy to law after just two weeks of initial studies.
Kafka wrote "Beschreibung eines Kampfes" (Description of a Struggle). He was influenced by von Kleist's work and this early writing marked the beginning of his literary career. The story showcases Kafka's emerging style and themes that would later become characteristic of his writing. This event is significant as it highlights Kafka's early influences and writing talent, setting the stage for his future literary endeavors.
Kafka showed the story "Beschreibung eines Kampfes" to Max Brod, who advised him to continue writing and convinced him to submit it to Hyperion. This event is crucial as it led to Kafka's first publication in a literary journal, marking an important milestone in his career.
Completed a longer course of study in law, which allowed time for other classes, and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Law on June 18th of that year.
Started employment at Assicurazioni Generali, marking the beginning of his professional journey in insurance.
Resigned from Assicurazioni Generali on July 15th, after which he went on to work for the Worker's Accident Insurance Institute for the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Kafka's earliest published works (eight stories) appeared in the first issue of the literary journal Hyperion under the title "Betrachtung" (Contemplation). This event is significant as it marked Kafka's first publication and established him as a writer. The fact that his work was published in German highlights his connection to his cultural heritage.
The first eight stories by Franz Kafka were printed in the inaugural issue of Hyperion, a bi-monthly literary periodical. This marked an early milestone in Kafka's publishing career and provided exposure to his unique writing style.
Two sections of Kafka's work were published in the spring, further establishing his reputation as a writer. This event is notable as it demonstrates Kafka's growing literary talent and increasing recognition within the literary community.
Two dialogues by Franz Kafka were published as part of 'Beschreibung eines Kampfes' (Description of a Struggle) in two separate publications, showcasing Kafka's growing literary presence at the time. Additionally, a fragment of 'Die Aeroplane in Brescia' was published on September 28th in the daily Bohemia, highlighting Kafka's experimental approach to storytelling.
Several stories by Franz Kafka were published on March 27th in the Easter edition of Bohemia, later becoming part of Betrachtung (Contemplation or Meditation), a collection that would further establish Kafka's reputation as a writer.
Elli gave birth to her first child, Felix, in 1911.
Franz Kafka published his first story collection titled Contemplation. This marked an important milestone in his literary career and showcased his emerging writing style.
Elli's second child, Gertrude (Gerti), was born in 1912.
In late 1912, Kafka seriously considered suicide, highlighting the depth of his emotional struggles during this tumultuous time in his life.
Kafka wrote the story "Das Urteil" (The Judgment) in a creative outburst on September 22nd. The story showcases Kafka's emerging themes of alienation and identity, which would later become central to his writing style. This event is significant as it highlights Kafka's intense creative periods and his ability to produce innovative works.
Kafka began writing his first novel, later published as 'Amerika'.
The family moved into a bigger apartment in November. This change brought some stability and comfort to the Kafka household, which had been struggling financially for some time.
Franz Kafka's work 'Das Urteil. Eine Geschichte von Franz Kafka' (The Judgment. A Story by Franz Kafka) was included in the literary yearbook Arkadia for art poetry, and 'Der Heizer' (The Stoker) was published in the Jüngste Tag series with three printings, demonstrating Kafka's growing recognition as a writer of note.
Ellie and Valli returned to live with the family in August, bringing new energy and companionship into their lives. The return of these siblings was a welcome event for the Kafka children.
Margarethe 'Grete' Bloch's son was born, although the exact date and circumstances surrounding the child's birth are disputed.
Declared himself an atheist on his birthdate, January 8th. He was only 10 years old at the time of this declaration, marking a significant turning point in his spiritual life and identity as a German-speaking Jew.
Moved to Berlin, Germany, where he began studying Hebrew and attending classes in the College for the Study of Judaism. He was immersed in Jewish culture and traditions during this time.
Began his education at the College for the Study of Judaism in Berlin, Germany, further solidifying his connection to Jewish heritage and identity.
Started attending classes in the College for the Study of Judaism in Berlin, Germany, where he developed a deep understanding of Hebrew language and culture.
The inspiration for 'Amerika' came from experiences with relatives who had emigrated to America, which is reflected in the novel.
Franz Kafka published his novella The Metamorphosis, which became a critical success and cemented his reputation as a prominent writer. The story's exploration of alienation and identity resonated with readers worldwide.
Kafka receives his draft notice for military service in World War I and is subsequently excused due to medical problems associated with tuberculosis.
The Metamorphosis
Original: Die Verwandlung
Kafka is diagnosed with tuberculosis, which severely impacts his health and ultimately leads to him being put on a pension by the Worker's Accident Insurance Institute.
Franz Kafka was diagnosed with tuberculosis, marking the beginning of his long and debilitating illness.
Kafka revised 'In der Strafkolonie' for publication.
Franz Kafka published his second story collection titled A Country Doctor. This work further demonstrated his unique writing voice and style, which would become synonymous with modernist literature.
The story 'In der Strafkolonie' was published in Leipzig on October 10th, and received positive reviews from critics.
Franz Kafka began an intense relationship with Milena Jesenská, which would become a significant part of his life in Berlin.
Elli's third and only daughter, Hanna Seidner, was born in 1920.
Kafka wrote and published the story 'Gregor's Tale' ('Das Urteil'), including a sentence using the word 'Verkehr'. The story conveyed Gregor's disgust at his transformation, utilizing double meanings to create ambiguity.
Franz Kafka moved to Berlin, where he lived with Dora Diamant from September to March the following year, seeking better treatment for his tuberculosis.
Franz Kafka died of tuberculosis at the age of 40 in Kierling, Austria. His early death cut short a promising literary career, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire writers and artists worldwide.
Franz Kafka returned to Prague after being in Berlin, struggling to cope with his illness and personal struggles.
Kafka returned from Berlin to Prague due to worsening laryngeal tuberculosis, marking a turning point in his life and writing career. The move to Prague would later influence his writing and provide new sources of inspiration. This event is significant as it highlights the impact of Kafka's illness on his life and work.
Kafka went to Hugo Hoffmann's sanatorium in Kierling outside Vienna for treatment, seeking relief from his worsening health. This event is notable as it demonstrates Kafka's willingness to seek medical attention and explore alternative treatments for his illness.
Kafka's short story 'Ein Hungerkünstler' ('A Hunger Artist') was published, showcasing his growing interest in exploring themes of identity and artistic expression.
Brod arranged for the publication of Kafka's three unfinished novels in Czech, with plans to translate them into German and eventually English.
Heinrich Jacob wrote 'Kafka oder die Wahrhaftigke' for Der Feuerreiter.